Amazon reportedly set to buy EA
It appears that EA may have found a buyer in Amazon, which is expected to formally reveal its offer today, according to reports. Since 2012, when its market value dropped by 37%, EA has apparently been looking for purchase (or merger). The publisher did not provide any statement at the time, but in May there were fresh speculations that it was once again looking. Amazon was reportedly up for grabs alongside Disney, Apple, and Comcast-NBCUniversal, according to Puck(opens in new tab) (via VGC(opens in new tab)).
To top it all off, For The Win(opens in a new tab) says that Amazon has already made an offer. Sometime later today, we should hear the news for sure, but as of yet, nothing has been confirmed. After a decade-long search, this is fantastic news for EA. But it’s not so fantastic when big firms with plenty of money try to buy up the competition and corner the market. For instance, Microsoft’s acquisition of Zenimax Media, the parent company of Bethesda, and its planned acquisition of Activision
As an individual, I have no control over any of that. Now, let’s see if we can find the silver lining in this situation as it pertains to me. And there’s that enticing idea of all the great shows I might be able to stream in the years to come as part of my Amazon Prime membership. received a cut of the profits. After decades of stagnation, things are beginning to shift around.
Netflix’s The Witcher has been very successful, while League of Legends adaptation Arcane has managed to outshine Cowboy Beebop. EA has a wealth of intellectual property (IP), and Amazon has the resources to make some amazing new shows based on them. Yes, I know I keep saying this, but someone needs to take care of the Jade Empire. Definitely Game of the Year material; if not a sequel, then a TV series! Another fan favorite is Mass Effect, and of course, the Dragon Age dweebs will poop their pants at the idea of a Prime Video series based on the franchise. Let’s start brainstorming actors for Solas right away!
When it comes to Amazon’s original material, the streaming service has some real treasures in its portfolio. The Boys, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, and A League of Their Own are some of the best shows available on Prime Video. If you didn’t catch Sneaky Pete before it was canceled, you missed out on another great show. If anything, given Amazon’s resources and track record, a series based on EA’s various IPs would be a smashing success.